"There was never any question of whether it was going to be the top lot in the auction," said Greg Rohan, President of Heritage. "Whenever you have an example of the most famous coin in the world it’s going to be a big night.

In this case, at $2.3 million, it set a new world record for its class. Thursday night’s price made this particular 1804 dollar the seventh most valuable coin ever sold at auction."

The Class III 1804 $1 received widespread coverage in the mainstream media in the days leading up to the auction, and the buzz in auction gallery was equal to the advance publicity.

As coin collectors and curious onlookers alike watched the auction live in Cincinnati and on HERITAGE Live!, the company’s real-time proprietary online bidding platform, there was a collective hush as the coin climbed past $2,000,000 and spontaneous applause when this most famous of coins finally found its new owner.

While the Adams-Carter 1804 $1 grabbed the headlines, the overall success of both the rare coins and the rare currency auctions is the hidden story in the whole night.

"The total prices realized in these auctions speaks to the continued strength of the rare coin market when there are precious few places with such fortitude," said Rohan. "Even if you take out the $2.3 million on the 1804 $1, you still have an almost $42 million auction; by any standards that’s a good return."

Several other rare and pristine coins garnered their share of the overall value of the auction with six figure prices. Following are a few highlights:

1795 Flowing Hair Dollar, MS65 NGC, B-1, BB-21: One of the finest known of this date and type and a remarkable coin that any numismatist will appreciate for the lustrous fields and exceptional surfaces. There are no disturbing adjustment marks or nicks worthy of note, and it is simply amazing that any Flowing Hair silver dollar could still look this nice after 214 years.

Realized: $276,000.

1795 B-15, BB-52 Dollar, MS65 PCGS: From the Cardinal Collection. There are two varieties known for the 1795 Draped Bust silver dollars, known as the Off-Center Bust (B-14) and the Centered Bust (B-15). Most numismatists believe that the B-14 dollar was struck first, followed by the B-15, which is what this example is. A masterpiece of the coiner’s art!

Realized: $253,000.

The Single Finest Certified 1919-D Walking Liberty Half, MS66 PCGS: Among half dollars coined in the 20th century, the 1919 issues remain as some of the (conditionally) rarest. The Denver facility produced just 1.1 million coins; most of them were subsequently well worn from years in the channels of commerce, and during the Great Depression preceding the next World War. It is generally accepted among enthusiasts that the 1919-D is the rarest Walking Liberty half dollar at the fully struck Gem level of preservation. This example is the single finest certified 1919-D half dollar.

Realized: $253,000

1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel, MS65 PCGS tied for Finest Certified, Historic Overdate: A diligent search of auction records reveals just four appearances of this issue in Gem condition during the past 15 years. Heritage was privileged to handle the coins in two of these appearances, one in the Central States Signature Sale (April 2002) and another in our Exclusively Internet Auction Sale (May 2001). The high technical grade, intense aesthetic appeal, and fascinating history of this coin combine to make this offering one of the most desirable examples of 20th century coinage.

Realized: $253,000.

The Finest Known 1796 JR-4 Dime, MS67 NGC: Easily the finest known JR-4, although a few other Gem specimens are close to this example in quality. Plated in Goldberg’s September 2003 sale and in Stack’s sale of the James A. Stack Collection.

For more information on prices realized in this auction, to read detailed lot descriptions and download full-color hi-resolution images, go online to www.HA.com/CSNS.

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About Heritage Auction Galleries

Heritage Auction Galleries is the world’s third largest auction house, and by far the largest auctioneer of rare collectibles, with annual sales over $700 million, and 400,000+ registered online bidder members. For more information about Heritage’s auctions, and to join and gain access to a complete record of prices realized, along with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit www.HA.com.